NCJ Number
160953
Date Published
1994
Length
524 pages
Annotation
This is the final evaluation report for Illinois' PreStart Program, which is a mandatory supervised release program for persons recently released from prison.
Abstract
PreStart was designed to separate the surveillance and supervision functions of parole from integrative social service functions. After mandated specialized institutional preparation for release (Phase I programming), the releasees may voluntarily use community resources brokered through a system of newly developed Community Service Centers. The Centers are designed to be information and resource brokerage facilities, intended to promote the abilities of releasees to develop and implement effective employment, residential living, and treatment plans. This report examines the origins of PreStart, the program implementation environment, Phase I program implementation, inmate reactions to Phase I programming, the implementation of Phase II programming, and the reactions of releasees to Phase II programming. Also examined are PreStart's impacts on warrants and prison admissions and participant recidivism. The report concludes that the Illinois Department of Corrections has done a commendable job in developing an innovative inmate reintegration program in the context of a difficult and challenging implementation environment. Recommendations for improvement are offered. 58 tables, 20 figures, 63 references, and appended discussion of time one versus time two comparisons by facility